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Alexander guided them to the room past the foyer. It was a beautiful parlor with a view of gardens to the rear of the property. They meandered through two dining rooms, a small one closer to the parlor and a larger one more suitable for entertaining.

They went up the stairs to where there were a pair of sitting rooms and five bedchambers. Alexander allowed them to wander through the rooms as he stood in landing between the two wings and peered out the windows. When they joined him, he motioned to the opposite side. “There are another three rooms on this side. One is my bedchamber, and there is a sitting room and another smaller bedroom that my parents used as a nursery.”

Penelope gasped. “Your nursery? Has it been redecorated?”

“It has been changed to more of a dressing room,” he commented with a soft look at her exuberant sister.

“We do not wish to invade your privacy. Thank you for allowing us to visit. It is truly a beautiful home.” Vivian gave her sister a pointed look.

As usual, Penelope ignored her and began walking in the direction of Alexander’s private space.

“I apologize for my sister’s lack of consideration,” Vivian said, stretching her neck when Penelope opened the door to what had been Alexander’s nursery.

He chuckled and walked after Penelope. “I don’t mind. I did invite you.”

The room was rather large for a nursery, in Vivian’s opinion. She’d never been to the home of someone who boasted so much wealth. When she turned to speak to Alexander, he was closer than Vivian expected, causing them to bump chests.

“Oh,” Vivian exclaimed, taking a step back. “I-it is a very large…”

“Do you plan to see Anthony Foster again?”

“Wh-what?” Vivian met his gaze. “I haven’t made any plans. Why would you ask?”

Narrowed eyes met hers as if he didn’t believe her. “Did he not ask to visit the other night?”

The questioning annoyed her. “You must know that your aunt invited the Fosters to the dinner, and it is she who will be responsible for the guest list of the upcoming festivities.” She pressed a finger into his chest. “Don’t you dare intimidate him like you have done all my other suitors. I am nearing the end of my season. I wish to marry.”

There was a slight flare to his nostrils.

“Don’t you dare do that thing with your nose either,” Vivian hissed.

He frowned. “What thing?”

Penelope pushed past them and opened the door to Alexander’s bedchamber. Just as she took a step, Vivian pulled her back. “We should allow Mr. Yarnsby to not show us this room.”

“Very well,” Penelope quipped and walked toward the landing. “What a beautiful view.”

“I would like to continue this conversation,” Alexander said. “Why did you call me mister?” He was about to say something else, but then he seemed to see something in his bedroom. He pulled her forward. “You should go.”

Taking her arm, he hurried her to the landing. “Penelope, you and your sister must leave. Upon arriving at Lark’s Song, please ask William to come at once.”

As he guided them both to the lower floor in such a hurry, Vivian was nervous she might fall.

“Is something wrong?” Vivian asked breathlessly. “I am not sure we should leave you alone.”

“Harold is here. I will not be alone. I am not in danger.”

Vivian wanted to believe him, but it was evident something or someone was upstairs that he did not wish them to see. “Are you certain?” She looked up to the next floor.

“I promise.” He looked at her for only a moment before glancing up the stairs. It was obvious he was anxious for them to leave.

“Penelope, come, we should head back to Lark’s Song. You can visit the village with Clara; she has plans to go today.”

At the reminder, Penelope nodded. “I do wish to go. I hope it’s not too late.”

Once Mary came running out and they climbed into the carriage, barely sitting before it lurched forward. The horses urged to a faster speed than customary.

“What happened?” Penelope asked, her wide eyes moving from Vivian to the window.